Tongue Cleaning Tips

Tongue Cleaning Tips You Don’t Want to Miss!

You may have a friend who swears by her tongue cleaning regimen, while other sources have expressed ambivalence toward this oral hygiene habit. Did you know that studies have shown that cleaning the tongue produces a positive outcome? In a scientific study, in which plaque samples were acquired, traces of bacteria on the tongue on the third and tenth day of a clinical study were significantly lower than the baseline with and without tongue cleaning. Find out more about why you should make cleaning your tongue a new, daily habit (if you haven’t already.)

Dr. David Montgomery and Dr. Ryan Dunn have seen their fair share of tongues. They know exactly which patients clean their tongues, as opposed to those who don’t—not to worry—you won’t get in trouble if cleaning your tongue isn’t part of your daily routine.

Both Dr. Montgomery and Dr. Dunn encourage cleaning your tongue for a reason. Many individuals accumulate what’s referred to as “papillae” on the tongue. These abundant hairlike papillae are often stained by coffee or smoking. Cleaning or “scraping” the tongue not only helps control the length of papillae, but it also helps keep bacteria at bay. Fewer bacteria on the tongue means better oral hygiene and breath!

Take a look at four tongue cleaning techniques to help ensure your best dental health

1. Use an Actual Tongue Scraper

   Consider using something like a BreathRx Plastic Tongue Scraper. This is an inexpensive option that many Chester County Family Dentistry patients use. We also recommend the Tango Daily Tongue Cleaner. Simply hold the scraper and insert it onto the tongue as far back as possible without stimulating a gag reflex. Gently scrape along the dorsum (top) of the tongue from the back to the front of the tongue.

2. Rid the Mouth of Debris

   We know, it’s yucky to think about the “stuff” that you’ll actually scrape off the tongue. It’s important for this very reason to spit the excess saliva “scrapings” out.

3. 

   Repeat Cleaning Tongue Scraping Several Times

   For best results, the pros suggest scraping the tongue and spitting out bacteria (rinsing off the tongue scraper each time) five times for best results.

4. Rinse Your Mouth with Antibacterial Mouthwash

   Dr. Montgomery and Dr. Dunn recommend using Listerine twice daily for at least 30 seconds per use, in addition to scraping the tongue for best oral hygiene results.

No matter which tongue cleaning device you decide to use, implementing a tongue cleaning daily practice will produce a notable difference in your mouth health. You’ll most likely feel a difference too!

For more tips on how to keep your tongue clean or other ways you can improve dental hygiene, our CCFD team welcomes a conversation with you any time. Simply click here or call us any time.